If you’re trying to steer clear of wasps, knowing which colors they dislike could make a real difference.
Wasps don’t like dark colors like black, brown, and red because those shades remind them of their predators. If you wear these colors or use them in your outdoor decor, you might find yourself less appealing to wasps.
Wasps love bright colors like yellow, orange, and blue. Those colors look like flowers to them, so they’re naturally drawn in.
If you skip those shades, you’ll probably notice fewer wasps buzzing around during your picnic or barbecue.
Paying attention to color is such a simple trick. You can make your space less attractive to wasps without having to mess with chemicals or traps.
If you want to dig deeper, you might check out this guide on what colors wasps avoid and why.
What Colors Do Wasps Hate and Why?
Wasps like yellow jackets and paper wasps react to colors in their own unique way. Some colors scare them off or just confuse them, while others pull them in because they look like food.
If you know which shades to skip or pick, you can avoid a lot of wasp trouble.
How Wasps See and Respond to Different Colors
Wasps don’t see colors the same way we do. They’re attracted to bright colors that mimic flowers or prey.
Yellow and white really pop for wasps, probably because those shades suggest nectar or tasty insects.
It’s kind of wild, but wasps can’t really see red. To them, red looks dull or almost invisible.
If you wear red, you’re less likely to attract wasps—kind of a cool hack, right?
Darker colors like blue, green, brown, and black don’t catch wasps’ attention. They don’t look like food or threats, so wasps usually ignore them.
The way their eyes work totally shapes how they react to the world.
Colors That Deter Wasps Most Effectively
You can keep wasps away by picking colors they don’t like or can’t see well.
Darker shades—think dark blue, brown, green, and black—work best. Wasps don’t associate these with food or their usual hangouts.
Red is a smart choice too, since wasps are basically colorblind to it.
If you stick to these colors, you’ll probably notice fewer wasps buzzing around.
Avoiding bright yellows, oranges, or whites where you sit or eat helps a lot.
When you blend in with darker or muted colors, you’re less likely to end up on a wasp’s radar.
Colors That Attract Wasps and Should Be Avoided
Wasps flock to colors that look like food. Bright yellows and whites are at the top of that list—they scream “nectar!” to wasps.
Yellowjackets and paper wasps especially go for these colors, so if you wear them, you might get some unwanted company.
Other bright shades like orange and blue can also bring wasps over. They see those colors and think “flowers” or “prey,” so they check them out.
If you want to avoid wasps, it’s best to skip bright, light-colored clothes when you’re outside.
That way, wasps like paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets won’t mistake you for a snack or an enemy.
For more info, you can see what colors to steer clear of are recommended.
Additional Ways to Keep Wasps Away
You can use scents, plants, and a few other tricks to make your space less appealing to wasps.
A couple of easy changes around your yard or patio can really cut down on wasp visits.
Using Plants and Scents That Wasps Dislike
Try planting certain herbs and flowers near your sitting areas to keep wasps away.
Wasps can’t stand the smell of peppermint oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, geranium, and thyme. You can grow these in pots or right in your garden.
Grab some essential oils from these plants, add a few drops to water in a spray bottle, and give your doors, windows, and outdoor tables a quick spritz.
Other natural scents—like citronella, cloves, bay leaves, citrus fruits, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and basil—also help keep wasps at bay.
If you place these near spots where wasps usually hang out, you’ll probably see fewer of them.
Practical Tips for Wasp-Proofing Your Space
Keep your food and sugary drinks covered when you’re outside. Wasps love sweet smells, so sealing up garbage cans and wiping up spills makes a difference.
Skip the bright yellows and whites for outdoor decor and clothes, since those attract wasps. Go for neutral or darker shades instead.
Walk around your home and seal up any holes or cracks—don’t give wasps a place to build nests.
You might even try hanging wind chimes or lanterns in your garden. The movement and sound can break up the calm air that wasps like to hover in.
Wasp Traps and Other Natural Repellents
Wasp traps lure wasps inside with sweet bait, like sugar water or soda. Once inside, they get stuck and can’t get out.
You can grab a trap from the store, or just make one at home with a bottle. It’s honestly pretty simple.
If you want to try natural repellents, mix vinegar with water and spray it around your outdoor spots. Some people swear by coffee grounds or a sprinkle of cinnamon near doorways.
It’s worth switching up your repellent scents and traps now and then to see what actually works for your place. Sometimes, combining a few methods does the trick for keeping wasps at bay.
For more ideas on color and wasp behavior, check out what colors wasps avoid.
